Google has come out with a new project that aims to map out the potential of any space for solar energy. There are many questions surrounding solar energy and, it would seem, there are not enough answers. For instance, will your own home be able to take enough energy from its geographical position? Or how much solar panels will I need?
Project Sunroof attempts to solve all these questions (and more) for you so that the switch will not be such a logistical nightmare. Google takes data from Google Maps such as the amount of sunlight your roof gets, among others.
Google is able to do this using aerial maps and 3D modeling. The results also take into account shaded areas from trees and structures. The final results of the analysis will even compute the energy savings generated from using solar energy.
All this data is run through a program that has "all possible sun positions over the course of a year," and "historical cloud and temperature patterns that might affect solar energy production."
You can get predictions on your total savings for 20 years of leasing solar panels. There is a slider that interested customers can use to calculate total solar panel use in the Project Sunroof website.
Project Sunroof also provides a recommendation on the solar panel sizes that your house needs. Not all houses have the same energy requirements. It is recommended that solar power not be used for 100% of your energy needs. There is not practical benefit to producing more power than can be consumed.
The project also makes cost predictions for you. Everything from current solar panel rates to local installation costs are factored in. Project Sunroof also includes Federal and state tax credits, rebates, and renewable energy credits and net metering.
Check out the full video here:
